The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recommended “contactless” delivery methods during the ongoing Movement Control Order to reduce the risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus to consumers.

Under the MCMC’s new guidelines, all postal and courier personnel should make contactless deliveries to avoid the risk of Covid-19 infection. According to the MCMC, the requirement of the customer’s signature as proof of receipt can be replaced with an alternative method instead.

Online food delivery services such as Foodpanda and GrabFood are fully onboard with the “contactless” delivery methods. Customers can opt for a contactless delivery by informing their rider through chat and specifying the appropriate spot for drop-off. The rider will then place the food at the designated drop-off point and notify the customer about the delivery through chat. Of course, for contactless delivery to work, the customer will have to choose to pay via online payment.

Grab’s statement also confirmed that customers can include a note to their delivery partners to arrange for contactless delivery, “as long as the instructions are reasonable”. Furthermore, the company gave assurance that it was working closely with merchant partners to ensure that all deliveries are carefully sealed.

Foodpanda Malaysia said in a press statement that both customers and riders are able to opt for contactless delivery. “We value the safety of everyone in our community, and have introduced new measures to ensure you feel secure while using our service,” said Sayantan Das, managing director of Foodpanda. “We also encourage you to switch to online payment so we can reduce human interactions to a minimum.”

These new measures come as the Malaysian government enforces the restriction of movement order from 18 – 31 March. During this period, food delivery, postal, and e-commerce services continue to operate as usual as they are deemed part of the “essential services” excluded under the order.

• TAGS:
• Courier Services
• Covid-19
• Food Delivery
• Food Delivery Services
• FoodPanda
• GrabFood
• Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
• MCMC
• Postal Services
• Restricted Movement Order